An ancient Sri Mahalaxmi Mandir constructed in the Hemadpanti architectural style was found to be in a neglected condition, covered in garbage and encroached on by the residents who are majorly Muslims. Attention to the Mandir’s condition was drawn by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) State Vice President (VP) Ashok Tavare who visited the site along with police and administrative officials.

Tavare also warned of ‘MNS-style’ freeing of encroachments if the administration failed to take action against the desecration and encroachments within fifteen days. Tavare pointed out that they would get the encroachments removed just as they got the illegal dargah in Mahim Sea razed by the BMC.

“The ancient Sri Mahalaxmi Mandir constructed in the Hemadpanti style is located in the Killa Gate area behind Milliya College. The temple is deliberately desecrated by locals, who are mainly Muslims, by throwing thrash and also releasing drainage water into this historic Mandir”, Tavare highlighted in his press conference.

During the media interaction, Tavare said that senior citizens who know the temple’s history informed them that this mandir was constructed when Shri Kankaleshwar Mandir was built. Some of the citizens stated that it was erected in the eighteenth century. However, the heritage structure lies neglected due to the large Muslim population in the area.

MNS submitted a memorandum to the district administration drawing its attention to the historical place and demanding its upkeep. Beed Municipal Council’s Chief Officer Neeta Andhare inspected the site after receiving the memorandum. Andhare said that the administration would write to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) calling for a survey and declaring the period in which it was constructed.

Amol Gote, who is the Assistant Director at the Archaeological Survey of Maharashtra Government at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, wrote to Beed Municipal Council’s CEO (Chief Executive Officer) calling for cleaning, repairs, and conservation of Shri Mahalaxmi Mandir.

“In the Killa Gate area, behind Milliya College in Beed, there is a ‘Hemadpanthi’ structure, locally known as Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir at Kagadi Ves. Trash and garbage are thrown in this structure; therefore, complaints have been received at the office about its pitiable condition. It has also been observed by our inspectors. The temple is unsafe in the present situation. As per the 1982 circular related to unsafe ancient monuments, it is necessary to protect and conserve the structure”, Gote says in the letter.

Further, he has asked the CEO to ensure that no harm is caused to the structure. Additionally, he has also directed the Beed Municipal Council to remove any washroom or toilet that may have been built near the monument. The letter also says that if there was private land surrounding the structure, a protected zone has to be created around the structure and a way should be made available to visit this structure.

(Featured Image Source: Sanatan Prabhat)